Electrochemical generator, e.g. zinc-air battery - with porous carbon plug permitting escape of hydrogen generated during battery operation

摘要

The electrochemical generator includes a closed compartment (a) in which H2 is liberated. Compartment (a) is fitted with a valve (b) permitting the H2 to flow towards an adjacent external atmos. (c). The valve is a porous carbon plug permitting H2 flow only when the pressure in compartment (a) exceeds a predetermined value greater than the pressure of atmos. (c). When the pressures (a,c) are equal, no gas can flow from atmos. (c) to compartment (a). The pref. battery contains a positive catalytic electrode (d) depolarised by air; a negative electrode (e) and an electrolyte (f). Compartment (a) contains items (e,f) and an upper gas space in which Hi is liberated and which is sealed from the air circuit supplying electrode (d). The battery has a simple, reliable and inexpensive valve (b) involving no moving or deformable parts.